We are proud to announce a new website for Green Key Commercial!

Get to know more about us and our colleagues, join the mailing list, and tell us how we can better serve your commercial real estate needs!

This emerging new look will also be part of an eagerly anticipated launch of our residential website later this spring...

Come visit us at Green Key Commercial today!

The weather is just right for celebrating Earth Day this weekend!

Here are a few of the great Earth Day events in and around the Bay Area this Saturday April 21st...

Earth Day San Francisco
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
SF Civic Center
www.earthdaysf.org

Earth Day San Francisco 2012 (EDSF) is more than just an annual event. This year’s festival is designed to bring together leading members of the green/sustainability activist movement to co-create a vision of how we address the multitude of environmental issues we face. Speakers, workshop leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, indigenous community leaders, civic agencies, musicians, and youth empowerment groups are invited to use this high-profile event to educate and activate the public to energetically pursue effective green solutions to pressing environmental issues.

The Climate Reality Project & Music Celebration
Doors open at 12noon, music starts at 1pm
1650 Stage Rd., Pescadero
http://www.justsayhelp.org

A celebration at McFarm in Pescadero. This is a family orientated day to celebrate the earth and learn about greening our lives and living more sustainable. We hope to establish a bee sanctuary. There will be entertainment, games and fun for all.

Berkeley Earth Day Festival
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
MLK Civic Center Park, MLK and Allston, Berkeley

Berkeley Earth Day is an annual event held in April to celebrate the environmental movement and creatively challenge the destruction of our planet. The event will include cultural performers, speakers and resources to link individuals and groups with each other in community based ecological activities.

For more information: http://www.hesternet.net/events.html

Santa Rosa Earth Day
12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Courthouse Square, downtown Santa Rosa

The second annual green bazaar in Courthouse Square lines up McKenna Faith, Blue Tuesday and Letters Make Words to supply a homegrown soundtrack to e-waste recycling, veggie food trucks, kiddie games, electric car and solar demos. You can even recycle your unwanted prescription medication.

“Every day should be Earth Day — just like every day should be Mother's Day, right?” says organizer Jann Trumbly. “But it's always good to have a designated day as a reminder.”

For info, call Alistair Bleifuss at 543-3845.

Berkeley Earth Day Festival
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
MLK Civic Center Park, MLK and Allston, Berkeley

Berkeley Earth Day is an annual event held in April to celebrate the environmental movement and creatively challenge the destruction of our planet. The event will include cultural performers, speakers and resources to link individuals and groups with each other in community based ecological activities.

For more information: http://www.hesternet.net/events.html

Emeryville Earth Day Celebration
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Doyle-Hollis Park (61st and Hollis Streets), Emeryville

Join the City of Emeryville to celebrate Earth Day 2012. This is the city's largest outdoor event of the year, you'll surely want to save the date and come out to enjoy Earth Day entertainment, food, art, community volunteerism, and more!

For more information: http://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=192 or (510) 450-7813

Oakland Earth Day Community Clean-Up
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Multiple Locations

Clean it. Green it. Mean it.

For a list of locations and more information: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/o/FE/s/ID/OAK026214 or (510) 238-7611

City of Alameda 2012 Earth Day Festival
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Washington Park (Central Ave & 8th St.), Alameda

Come celebrate the planet at Alameda’s Earth Day Festival! As part of the celebration, the goal is to present simple lifestyle changes to help the environment. Upcycling is one of those simple changes. Upcycling is a process of taking existing, old products, and making them into new products. It’s a different way of thinking about the materials we consume and what else can be done with them at the end of their useful life. For example, turn your one-time use plastic bottle into a colorful winder spinner instead of tossing it into a recycling bin. You’ve taken a useless product and made it into an admirable art piece--a product of better quality. Now you’re upcycling!

Enjoy FREE activities for the kids, Earth Day games and exhibits and learn about building a clean, healthy, sustainable world for generations to come.

For more information: Alameda Recreation and Park Department at (510) 747-7529, City of Alameda Public Works Department at (510) 747-7930, or http://www.cityofalamedaca.gov.

Wildcat Creek Cleanup and Trash Survey
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Team 1: Looking for 20 to 30 volunteers.
Meet at the Wildcat Staging Area located on the Richmond Parkway between Gertrude and Pittsburgh Ave. Richmond CA

Team 2: Looking for 20 to 30 volunteers
Meet at Verde Elementary. 2000 Giaramita St., Richmond

Tracking types of trash that reach our creeks is a way to help identify the main sources and act on them to stop them from reaching our waterways. Volunteers are needed to help conduct a trash survey of two segments of Wildcat creek that have been identified as monitoring stations in Contra Costa County. A simple protocol developed by the Water Board and adapted by Contra Costa County Clean Water Program will be used with volunteers. There will be a short training at the beginning of the day. Some volunteers will wade waters to take samples.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Bring your water bottle, waders and/or boots if you have them. Snacks available for volunteers.

For more information or to RSVP: contact (510) 224-4085 or Juliana@thewatershedproject.org before April 19th.

North Richmond Neighborhood Beautification Day
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Volunteers interested in picking-up litter at the Wildcat Creek or around the neighborhood please report to: 2000 Giaramita St. (Verde Elementary School), Richmond, for registration, tools and assignments.

Volunteers interested in planting, mulching, and weeding community gardens, please report to: 237 Vernon Ave., Richmond, for registration, tools and assignments.

Adult and children volunteers are invited for a day of service and family fun to clean-up and improve the environment. Free food, t-shirts, eco-activities, games, and prizes

RSVP for groups 10+.

For more information: contact Juliana at (510) 224-4085 or Juliana@thewatershedproject.org.

Earth Day 2012 Point Molate Beach Cleanup
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Point Molate Beach Park, Richmond

The tide of trash coming down the watersheds from the latest rains will be accumulating along our shorelines and help is needed to keep marine debris out of the oceans and of our wonderful shorelines. Marine debris is harmful to wildlife and pollutes our shorelines. Come out and give Citizens for a Sustainable Point Molate and other interested groups a hand.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Bring your water bottle and bucket if you have them. Snacks available for volunteers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

RSVP for groups of 5+.

For more information: contact Juliana at (510) 224-4085 or Juliana@thewatershedproject.org

Wente Vineyards Earth Day
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, Livermore

Join Wente Vineyards to celebrate Earth Day! Enjoy great food, wine, information and activity booths, and live music at Wente Vineyards. It’s green fun for the whole family! Learn more about Wente Vineyards’ ongoing sustainability efforts and green initiatives by participating in complimentary walking tours of its sustainable garden and Audubon certified golf course. No admission fee. Wine tasting $15 per person, $10 for Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, & Tamás Estates Club Members.

For more information: http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/event_list/earth_day_celebration/ or (925) 456-2300

Beyond Green Buildings: Practical Tools for Sustainable Residential Living

February 4th, 11am-2pm
Focusing on practical issues related to real estate value and processes for realizing property owners’ sustainability goals. The seminar will feature presentations by three experts in a round table presentation, including Ericka Jennings, CEO of Green Key Real Estate.

Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
Register for event

13676 Sailor Flat Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
List Price: $175,000
MLS # 1040506

Lot Size: 5.35 acres

Description: Beautiful rolling pine studded parcel with a seasonal creek and pond. Power to property, many level building sites, panoramic views.

Photo Tour: View Tour
Map: View Google Map

Contact for more information:
Jon Paley, DRE # 01166841
(530) 268-8964 Home Office
(530) 268-8971 Fax
(916) 768-7516 Cell
www.CaliforniaFoothillHomes.com

You've heard about it, you've thought about it...you've even dreamt about it -- a revolutionary new model for the retail storefront. Now’s your chance to be a part of it!

Green Key Real Estate has partnered with Global Exchange, Global Citizen Center, and Green Festivals to combine the Green Festival’s mix of triple bottom-line enterprise with public education, bringing together the very best green goods and services in a fun, dynamic and informative environment.

The goal of the GreenMart is to provide an affordable platform for local green and fair trade companies to come together and accelerate the transition to sustainability. Each company, whether offering one product or many, whether in the “made local” shared section, an individual kiosk or “private” store space, will benefit from convergence marketing, the latest in interactive retail technology, and our unique membership processes, to help grow your business in a sustainable way.

Get in on the ground floor!

Join us by attending our networking event on February 1st from 6-8pm.

Learn about becoming a member, potential San Francisco sites, provide valuable input, and have your questions answered.

With collaboration, education and sustainability at its core, GreenMart will stand the brick and mortar store on it’s end.

2012 is the year it all happens!

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://greenmartgathering-efbevent.eventbrite.com/

For more information, contact Ericka Jennings
ericka@greenkeyrealestate.com
(415) 750-1120

We are thrilled to announce the growth of our real estate team! We have added three new agents in the Bay Area and two new satellite agents in San Louis Obisbo and Grass Valley. Each of these agents brings a unique background of experience and training, but all they all share the same commitment to top notch service and the economic, ecological, and social values that Green Key stands for. All of our agents are high quality and capable of representing you in today’s changing real estate market.

Please enjoy learning about our new agents and go right ahead and contact them if they can provide you with green real estate expertise!

Jerome Marcus

jerry@greenkeyrealestate.com
Jerry Marcus joins Green Key with experience as an attorney, a real estate developer, and a small business consultant. His real estate development experience extends from the acquisition stage to entitlements and through build-out. He worked as Community Development Manager for Shea Homes Active Adult in Northern California, and as general counsel and development associate at Lake Street Development in Chicago.

Jerry is a LEED Accredited Professional and is active in the Northern California chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. He's designated as a Certified Green Building Professional and a Certified Real Estate Professional with Build It Green. Jerry is a member of the California State Bar and holds a real estate broker license in California.

Cynthea Sparr

cynthea@greenkeyrealestate.com
Cynthea has spent the last four years studying sustainable design and energy efficiency. She is HERS certified, a Green Point Rater and will soon be a BPI Building Analyst and LEED AP. She wants to help her clients sell, buy, and renovate their way to the green home of their dreams where they will enjoy greater comfort and health, reduced energy bills and upside at the point of sale.

Allison Chapman

allison@greenkeyrealestate.com
Allison comes to us with a history of event planning in the corporate world. She is currently working on a MBA in Sustainable Enterprise (aka greenMBA) at Dominican University of California in San Rafael. She is passionate about green lifestyles, and supports her clients in Marin County to seek homes that reflect their ecological and economical values and needs. She loves exploring and enjoying nature's beauty in her spare time and is psyched about her new found love for power yoga!

Jon Paley

jon@greenkeyrealestate.com
Specializing in the Auburn and Grass Valley area with a special love for Lake of the Pines, Jon loves to bowl, golf, boat, play tennis and basketball with his friends (most of which are also clients!) Jon is very computer oriented and cares for his clients with great online service via emails, phone calls and listing searches that meet my buyers criteria. He has a great team in place to support his clients. By focusing on the criteria of location, quality and appreciation in value, Jon ensures that his client’s buy homes that are secure investments.

A golden opportunity to own a home on a coveted street in Berkeley. Location, location, location makes this the ideal home to enjoy all of the amenities of central Berkeley. It is close to the Arts & Theatre district, restaurants, the YMCA and the Farmer’s Market. Roosevelt is a quiet, tree-lined street in a delightful neighborhood.

This 4 bedroom home is zoned for two families and has ample room for a growing family or office space to work at home. There is plenty of storage to accommodate all your needs. The open floor plan on the first floor gives the home a spacious, airy feel. The upgraded kitchen and breakfast nook overlook the redwood deck and large garden. The living room has a bay windows and bench. Arches have been added to many of the downstairs rooms. There are hardwood floors throughout the downstairs.

Upstairs features a master suite with a special custom window and skylight. The room has a sisal carpet and adjoining bathroom with a claw foot tub. There is a large room ideal for an office or second bedroom. The laundry room is big enough for a yoga workout and has extensive storage space and shelving.

The large lot has ample space for a wonderful garden in the back with raised beds, fruit trees and an exquisite trellis covered in wisteria. The front entrance has a delightful rose covered arbor and gate.

The home has an upgraded foundation and has been seismically upgraded as well. The upstairs ceilings are insulated. There is hot water on demand. And best of all the home has a walk score of 85 and is easily accessible to bike lanes, public transportation, the BART and the freeways.

Be part of this great neighborhood and community.

Contact for more information and showings:
Nancy Copeland
DRE#01441214
510-612-2441
nancy@greenkeyrealestate.com

For more pictures and details, you can also download the latest copy of the flyer.

Green Key is impassioned about sustainable living. We are excited to share our collaboration with Douglas Busch and his team at pH Living. Doug’s vision is to create professionally tested, modular, factory-built homes that are suitable for people suffering from chemical sensitivities and environmental illnesses. Without a healthy environment to come home to, many of these people must lead a nomadic lifestyle, constantly searching for a safe haven.

To prove that pH Living’s Sanctuary buildings are healthy, Doug brought in Larry Gust, a certified inspector with the International Institute of for Building Biology and Ecology. The rigorous test results are profound, and worthy of our attention.

Join us at a panel presentation of environmental science, health and building design experts on Thursday, December 15, 6-8:30pm at the Marin General Hospital, Conference Room to learn more about how toxicants affect your living environment.

Please RSVP for this FREE event at:
http://healthyhomestandards.eventbrite.com or call Louise Yost at (415) 460-1257.

And for a preview of the Sanctuary, check out this video.

This event is co-sponsored by:

Alliance for Human and Environmental Health
www.allianceheh.org

Green Key Real Estate
www.greenkeyrealestate.com

phLiving
http://twitter.com/phliving

Kohana Pharmacy & Rejuvenative Medicine
www.kohanarx.com

Albert and Eve Organics
www.alberteve.com

It’s that time of year again, when we join together with hundreds of other inspiring companies, organizations and presenters at the SF Green Festival! This weekend’s event is particularly exciting, as Green Festival is celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

Saturday and Sunday
November 12 - 13
SF Concourse Exhibition Center
635 8th St at Brannan
Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-6

This is such an exciting gathering of change makers, educators, and industry leaders, and now with a new additional program to help you along your green career path.

Where else can you learn, be inspired, and shop responsibly all in one place?

Who knows what important connections you will make and ideas you will have.

Come find out and while you are there, say hi to us at booth #231. Throughout the event, you can also look for us on Twitter hashtag #greenfest.

Your Green Leader in Real Estate,

Ericka Jennings, Cassandra Ferrera & Thomas Neece
Green Key’s Leadership Team
DRE Lic#:01370922, 01842425, 01367322
Green Key Real Estate

Communitarians. That is who we are, and gather is what we do! I am fresh off of three days at an event called the Art of Community where almost 300 of us gathered to immerse ourselves in the conversation and experience of community. At this unique event, there were both elders of the “communities movement” and hopeful, young seekers of community, and everything in between. Some attendees were seeking a community to join or learning skills to create a community of their own. Some of us were teaching workshops in the multiple aspects of creating and eco-village or community, and of course all of us were learning.

Because in order to regain the skills to live in sustainable community, learn we must! How do we live in our homes and in communities as if we are all in this together? Meaning, as if the Earth’s finite resources were something we needed to learn how to share and carefully manage? I found that the people at the Art of Community conference were students of nature, history, human emotions, group dynamics, engaged decision making, green building, cooperative legal systems. It was truly an amazing group of people brought together to teach and learn and share.

I was honored to be among many inspiring presenters of this program. Myself and Devin Stubblefield, my fellow Green Key permaculture educator and consultant, taught about the elements of buying real estate cooperatively. We spoke to the relevant issues of land evaluation, forms of holding title, and financial opportunities for community-based real estate ventures.

We also facilitated a session on what it means to truly “become of place.” It was deeply touching to hear people’s stories about their relationship with the land and how that relationship guides their often hard choices in the journey to become a grounded member of a bioregion. It is relevant to notice that as we engage opportunities to restore our human relationships, we are often called to restore, or re-story, our nature based relations as well.

While being a “communitarian” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this movement toward sharing a more ecological lifestyle close to home makes sense to a growing number of people. As Kevin Danaher, the keynote speaker for the weekend, remarked, we are “solutionaries” in designing a livable future.

Other fantastic presenters included: Janelle Orsi, Diana Leafe Christian, and the new community movie: Within Reach. Look out for the next Art of Community, hopefully next year. As it turns out, Northern California is of course the hot seat of the nation for cooperatively minded folks.